THE Brook and the bluff band at thalia Hall

BY MADELINE CUrLESS

With the new release of their fourth LP, Bluebeard, The Brook and the Bluff had nothing less than a thunderously affectionate welcome to the windy city at Thalia Hall on October 11th. The five-piece Nashville-based band formed by Joseph Settine, brothers Kevin and John Canada, Fred Lankford, and Alec Bolton managed to curate an audience so vibrant and purely excited to absorb the artistry at work on stage. 

A unique blend of incredibly atmospheric harmonies and fusions of jazz, folk, soul, rock, and more make for an unbelievable show. At one point, you can hear a pin drop during a graceful rendition of "Harvest Moon" just moments after the crowd bobbed as a unit to a rocking arrangement of "Don't Go Slippin' Away" from the band's third album, Yard Sale. Multifaceted is an understatement regarding this band's array of genre-bending performances. 

On top of the band's stellar artistry, they also brought remarkable stage presence to Chicago. Unlike most Wednesday night shows, the five-piece delivered a burst of energy to the crowd, even in full suits. As witty and compelling lead guitarist Bolton mentioned at their set's opening, they don't break out the full suits just for any show. The classy head-to-toe getup didn't stop frontman Settine from getting down, though. His feet glided as if the stage had no grip, grooving along to the soulful beats and swaying to folk melodies while still delivering some of the most outstanding chorales from an individual. 

The Brook and the Bluff's performance in Chicago was a special night for everyone who witnessed it. The devoted energy to the artistry was palpable in Thalia Hall from everyone, including the band. I can't stress enough; The Bluebeard Tour is a Do-Not-Miss show!